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Digital transformation as a driver for innovation

Digital Culture and Creative Industries

In an environment where resources are limited and the competition on the international stage is tough due to advanced technology, digital transformation proves to be essential in theaters, opera houses, and museums to ensure the long-term significance and relevance of companies operating in the creative industry. Prerequisites for this include the use of digital tools such as (generative) AI, overcoming organizational barriers, and a better understanding of the importance of data to enable more efficient and seamless end-to-end processes.

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Digital processes as drivers of modern cultural institutions

From process automation to personalized visitor experiences

Digitalization is both an opportunity and a challenge for the cultural sector. Faced with budget constraints and competition—from global technology companies as well as other cultural venues—the question arises: how can cultural institutions safeguard their relevance? Operational processes in theaters, opera houses, or museums remain largely analog, and existing data is often used only sporadically.

Experience shows that established digital tools, the dismantling of organizational silos, and a stronger appreciation of data can significantly improve the efficiency and seamlessness of end-to-end workflows (e.g., digital guest contracts, digital stage rehearsals, settlement processes). With the targeted use of artificial intelligence, these efficiency gains can be enhanced even further: AI automates repetitive tasks, supports complex administrative workflows, personalizes visitor interactions, and unlocks new creative opportunities.

This reduces errors and media disruptions, ultimately increasing employee satisfaction and motivation. At the same time, today’s audiences – not only Generation Z – expect a digital customer journey and offerings that meet their individual needs.

Side view of multi ethnic audience sitting in the opera. Men and women are watching theatrical performance. They are in elegant wear.

Smooth audience experiences are the result of optimized workflows and data-driven planning.

AI in the cultural sector

New opportunities for creativity, efficiency, and visitor engagement

Cultural institutions today must balance artistic excellence with the growing digital expectations of their audiences. Artificial intelligence opens new perspectives—both in creative production and in daily operations. The cultural sector offers ideal conditions for AI because it manages large sets of digital assets, complex workflows, and diverse audience segments.

  • Generative AI in creative production: GenAI tools are already used in artistic and creative environments—for set design, costume development, and lighting concepts—providing new creative impulses and supporting time-consuming iterative tasks (see e.g., Stanford University, 2025).

 

  • AR/VR for immersive digital experiences: AR/VR applications provide entirely new perspectives on art and performance. They go far beyond traditional streaming and enable new storytelling formats and immersive environments. At the same time, they generate digital assets that require early consideration of copyright, licensing, and usage rights.

 

  • Machine learning for visitor forecasting and planning: ML models analyze historical data, program content, weather patterns, audience behavior, and demand developments. Cultural institutions can use these insights to optimize ticketing, staffing, hospitality, and overall visitor experience (see e.g., Smith & Chen, 2024).

 

Side view portrait of modern bearded man wearing VR gear while enjoying immersive experience during exhibition in art gallery, copy space
Waist up portrait of modern mature couple looking at paintings while enjoying exhibition in art gallery or museum
  • Automated collection digitization: AI-based image recognition and language models support museums and archives in describing, categorizing, and enriching large collections with metadata. This accelerates digitization, enhances accessibility, and strengthens research processes (see e.g., European Parliamentary Research Service, 2023).

 

  • AI-powered chatbots and personalized visitor journeys: Chatbots enable personalized recommendations, multilingual access, and barrier-free information—creating a digital customer journey that accompanies visitors before, during, and after their visit.

 

Learn more about our services in (generative) AI →

We have already successfully supported renowned institutions in their digital transformation and, with our experience, helped to quickly and easily embark on the right path of transformation, to inspire the team for change, and to sustainably benefit from the opportunities of digitalization.

 

In doing so, we draw on a solid network of experts from leading universities and experienced Executives from cultural institutions.

Your Contact

Holger Röder, Senior Vice President, valantic

Holger Röder

Senior Vice President

valantic